– UFC VETERAN GILBERT ALDANA DEAD AT 29

by MMAWeekly.com
Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Gilbert Aldana is presumed dead today according to reports out of Arizona. Reporting for Arizona’s Family 3 KTVK, Kim Martinez said that it is believed that 6’2″ 245-pound Aldana drowned yesterday at Lake Pleasant in Arizona.

According to the report, “Aldana was just setting out on his boss’ boat for a family outing Sunday morning when his shirt reportedly flew out of the boat and into the water. He dove in to try and grab it and started struggling. Someone dove in to help, but Aldana never resurfaced.”

Although rescue units responded immediately, the scene quickly turned from a search and rescue to a search and recovery according to Fire Marshal Howard Munding, whom Martinez interviewed.

Aldana, who started off to an impressive 5-0 record early in his career, struggled during his time in the UFC losing to Paul Buentello and Cheick Kongo. Little more than a month ago, Aldana returned to his winning ways, submitting Rich Beecroft at his old stomping grounds at Rage In The Cage.

Gilbert Aldana was 29 years old. He leaves behind his wife and two boys.